Kenya is set to establish 10 specialised maternal and newborn health facilities in counties with the highest burden of maternal and newborn deaths as the government steps up efforts to reduce preventable deaths.
The KES 4.4 billion project is being supported by Amsons Group through the Mama na Mtoto Kwanza initiative, in partnership with the Government of Kenya. It complements the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) programme and aims to close critical gaps in specialised maternal and newborn care.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held bilateral discussions with governors and their representatives on how to translate President William Ruto’s directive to prioritise maternal and newborn health into concrete action.
The discussions were led by Council of Governors Health Committee Chairperson and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir.
The 10 facilities, each with a capacity of 250 beds, will be established in Nairobi, Bomet, Kwale, Mombasa, Garissa, Kisumu, Embu, Nakuru, West Pokot and Uasin Gishu.
The facilities are expected to bring specialised maternal and newborn services closer to communities while supporting the government’s push towards Universal Health Coverage.
Each facility will offer a comprehensive range of services, including antenatal and postnatal care, labour and recovery services, obstetric care, Caesarean sections, maternal and neonatal intensive care, operating theatres, neonatal intensive care units and post-Caesarean wards.
The investment targets counties identified as having the greatest need. The Ministry of Health has mapped 26 counties that collectively account for about 60 per cent of Kenya’s maternal deaths, providing the basis for a more targeted approach to maternal and newborn health investments.
The programme is also focusing on strengthening the healthcare workforce. So far, 900 healthcare workers have been trained in obstetric care, while another 900 have received training in comprehensive newborn care.
The ongoing recruitment of 5,000 nurses and midwives is expected to further increase the skilled workforce needed to operate and sustain these specialised services.
In addition to the infrastructure investment, KES 4 billion is being channelled through the Social Health Authority (SHA) to support maternal deliveries at Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities, expanding access to safe and quality maternity services.
Groundbreaking for the new facilities is expected by September, with the government now focused on strengthening coordination between the national and county governments and speeding up implementation.
The initiative is part of Kenya’s broader commitment to ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and improving access to quality healthcare for mothers and babies across the country.
The meeting was attended by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Bomet Deputy Governor Shadrack Rotich, West Pokot Deputy Governor Achaule Robert, and county health officials, among other representatives from the Ministry of Health and county governments.
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